Los Angeles Workers’ Compensation Appeals Attorney
As an employer in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, you have plenty to keep up with. Not only do you have to run your business, but you also need to ensure that you abide by all federal, state, and local regulations. Just about every employer in California must carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. However, there are times when you may need to deny a workers’ compensation claim. When this occurs, you need to make sure that you are on the right side of the law. At Sacks Law Group, APC, our dedicated and experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorneys are here to defend your business if an employee appeals a workers’ comp denial.
Why You May Need To Deny A Workers’ Compensation Claim
At Sacks Law Group, APC, we understand that there are various reasons why you may need to deny a workers compensation claim made by an employer. The reality is that the claim may not be legitimate. Some of the most common reasons that an employer may need to deny a claim include:
- If the employee did not report the injury within the required timeframe
- If there is a discrepancy between the accident report in the initial medical records
- If the employee was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the incident occurred
- If the employee was horse playing at the time the incident occurred
- If the claim was filed after an employee was terminated or laid off
- If your employee refused to give a recorded statement or sign medical release authorizations
- If you have evidence that the injury did not occur in the workplace or during work-related activities
This is certainly not an all-inclusive list of the reasons that you may need to deny a workers’ compensation claim made by an employee. However, the employee could very well appeal the denial.
Handling These Appeals On Your Behalf
Whenever an employee files an appeal with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), you and the insurance carrier will be notified. The appeals board has 60 days to accept or deny the appeal. If either you or the claimant is unhappy about the appeal’s board decision, you (or the employee) can appeal the decision to the state appellate court for a “writ of review.” Finally, if you (or the employee) are unhappy with the appellate court decision, you could technically file the appeal all the way to the California Supreme Court. However, the Court rarely hears workers’ compensation appeals cases.
At every step of the way, you need to be represented by a Los Angeles workers’ compensation appeals lawyer who has experience handling these claims.
310-216-7778
